Freshwater shrimps are peaceful, active, and fascinating creatures to keep. But one of the most common questions hobbyists ask is: “What fish and creatures can I keep with my shrimp without risk?”
At Aushrimphome.com, we’ve helped hundreds of aquarists across Australia create successful shrimp colonies. Here’s our guide to the best shrimp-safe tank mates for your aquarium.
1. Small Snails (Nerite, Mystery, Ramshorn)
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Peaceful scavengers.
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Help clean algae and leftover food.
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100% safe with shrimp.
2. Otocinclus Catfish
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Gentle algae eaters.
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Small mouths, no threat to shrimplets.
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Thrive in planted aquariums with shrimp.
3. Corydoras Catfish (Dwarf or Pygmy)
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Peaceful bottom dwellers.
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Constantly active without bothering shrimps.
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Ideal for community shrimp tanks.
4. Kuhli Loaches
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Worm-like appearance but very shy.
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Won’t harm adult shrimp.
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Best kept in groups with plenty of hiding spaces.
5. Endler’s Livebearers
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Small, colourful, and peaceful.
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Minimal risk to adult shrimp.
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Perfect for planted nano tanks.
6. Chili Rasboras
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One of the smallest schooling fish.
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Won’t bother shrimp colonies.
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Add vibrant colour to aquascapes.
7. Ember Tetras
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Tiny, peaceful community fish.
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Safe with adult shrimp in planted setups.
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Great contrast with red or blue shrimp.
8. Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma sp.)
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Unique nano species.
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Very calm and compatible with shrimp.
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Rare in Australia but an interesting addition.
9. Amano Shrimp
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Larger shrimp variety.
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Safe with smaller Neocaridina and Caridina.
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Great algae eaters that complement shrimp colonies.
10. Other Shrimp Species
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Neocaridina and Caridina shrimps can live together in many cases.
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Mixing species adds diversity, but check water parameter needs first.
Tank Mates to Avoid
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Large or aggressive fish (cichlids, barbs, bettas).
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Predatory species that may eat baby shrimps.
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Anything with a big mouth compared to shrimp size.
Build Your Perfect Shrimp Tank Today
At Aushrimphome, we provide:
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Healthy shrimp shipped across Australia
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Wide variety of Neocaridina and Caridina species
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Expert care tips to help your shrimp thrive with the right tank mates
Visit Aushrimphome.com today and start your shrimp-keeping journey with confidence.